🔧 Crosstrek - Fuel Cap Replacement

Replacing the fuel cap is a quick job: you remove the old cap and install the new one until it clicks tight. A good cap helps keep fuel vapors sealed and can prevent an EVAP leak and a Check Engine Light.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.1-0.2 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🔥 No smoking, sparks, or open flames near the fuel door.
• ⛽ Don’t replace the cap while actively fueling.
• 🧤 If fuel is present, wipe it up and wash hands after.
• 🔋 Battery disconnect is not required.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Nitrile gloves
• Clean shop towel

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Fuel filler cap (EVAP-sealing type) - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and turn the ignition OFF.
• Make sure you are not in the middle of refueling.
• Wipe dirt around the fuel filler opening using a clean shop towel so debris doesn’t fall in.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Open the fuel door

• Open the fuel door on the left rear side of your Crosstrek by hand.
• Put on nitrile gloves if you want to avoid fuel smell on your hands.

Step 2: Remove the old fuel cap

• Turn the cap counterclockwise by hand until it releases.
• If your cap has a tether, let it hang—a tether is the small strap that keeps the cap from falling.
• Use a clean shop towel to wipe the sealing surface on the filler neck (the round rim the cap seals against).

Step 3: Install the new fuel cap

• Place the new cap onto the filler neck and turn it clockwise by hand.
• Keep tightening until you hear/feel it click several times. Clicks mean the cap is properly tightened.
• If it’s tethered, confirm the tether isn’t twisted or pinched.

Step 4: Close up

• Close the fuel door firmly by hand.
• Wipe any fuel residue with a clean shop towel.

---

✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and confirm there is no fuel smell around the fuel door area.
• If you replaced the cap due to a Check Engine Light, it may take a few normal drive cycles for the light to turn off on its own after the system rechecks for leaks.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $40-$120 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $15-$45 (parts only)

You Save: $25-$75 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.1-0.2 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.